Police, agents use dogs to sniff out hidden guns
Local police and federal agents accompanied by about 15 dogs went to four Boston neighborhoods that have been plagued by gun violence yesterday to sniff out guns that may be hidden in public spaces.
"Approximately two weeks ago, an 11-year-old boy came to the Holland School with a very powerful handgun," Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis said during a press conference police held before the sweeps. "The boy found that gun in a very public space, leading us to believe that . . . guns being stashed away by gang members is a serious problem."
The boy pleaded not guilty in Boston Juvenile Court last week to unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, unlawfully carrying a loaded firearm, and possession of a firearm on school property.
Davis said the sweeps -- which created a spectacle along Blue Hill Avenue during rush hour as commuters passed dozens of officers on motorcycles and holding dogs -- are meant to show criminals that police are in control and to make residents feel more secure.
Davis acknowledged that officials elsewhere have not found many guns during the sweeps, but said the initiative is about more than just uncovering weapons. He pledged to continue the gun sweeps sporadically over the next few months, though he noted that law enforcement will only search public spaces and will not enter private property unless a homeowner asks them to.
"Even if we don't pick up any handguns tonight, at least . . . the people who are resorting to these weapons know that we're out here in force," he said. "This is a step in the direction of letting them know that we're in control."
Deputy Superintendent Thomas Lee, who commands the Special Operations Unit, said the tactic has been used successfully in New Bedford and Chicago.
Lee said officers and dogs would spend five to six hours combing neighborhoods where gun violence has been particularly common and will search hiding places. Officers will focus on the Franklin Field and Bowdoin Street and Geneva Avenue sections of Dorchester and the Grove Hall and Egleston Square sections of Roxbury. Lee said they will also hunt for ballistics evidence near recent shooting scenes.
Suzanne Smalley can be reached at ssmalley@globe.com. 